Originally Posted by
Uplinker
A last example from me. We are in the cruise and PM has gone to the loo. Or we are following vectors in a TMA and PM is getting cabin secure from the CC. Out of the blue ATC says "avoiding action, turn left 30°." I am going to take out the AP and turn immediately by reference to my bank and heading display, and ignore the roll bar of the FD but still follow the FD pitch bar. When I know the aircraft is safe, and/or PM comes back, we can turn the heading bug to realign the FD, and pop the AP back in.
Sorry I did not get the reason why You should takeover manually if You are currently single pilot (PM went to the loo) ?
If ATC gives You a heading then yes they do expect a prompt acknowledgement/manoeuvre but You are not doing close air combat so left forefinger goes to the PTT and right hand to the HDG knob (or the other way around depends where You sit) and happy days !